Do You Have a Bucket List?

Did you see “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman? It’s about two hospital roommates with little time to live who take off on an odyssey to cross items off the list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.” They travel to Egypt, Europe and Japan to see the sights they’ve always longed to see. While the landmarks are awe-inspiring, the men realize that what they really long for is deeper connections with the people who are most important to them – family.

Whatever you call it – bucket list, life’s goals or personal intentions – making a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime is a valuable practice in getting clear about what’s most important to you. While the list may be generously sprinkled with “dream items” such as trips, adventures and possessions, if you take your time, you’ll find that your list will also reveal some of the qualities of you want to cultivate. For example, my list, which I started in 2000, includes being a really good cook and owning a convertible sports car. These define the way I want to live my life rather than how I want to spend my vacation.

Here are some tips for creating a meaningful “Bucket List:”

Indulge all of the things you want to do. Surely you’ve thought of some great vacations you’d like to take. Tuscany? An African safari? The Grand Canyon? Maybe you want to become a millionaire, run a marathon or start your own business? These are do-goals – based on you doing things to achieve the intention. Many of the things on your list will fall into this category. It’s a great place to start.

Next look at have-goals. What are the objects you’d like to own? The sports car, the beach house, the fabulous jewellery, a great stamp collection are things and have-goals are about getting them. What an awesome future you’re creating for yourself!

Then consider be-goals. How do you want to show up in the world? Do you want to be remembered for your integrity? Is it important to be the kind of parent who shows up at all the soccer games? Do you want to be incredibly fit all through your life? Who do you want to be? For me, it’s important that I am a part of the lives of my nephews and nieces – I want to be an influence and a blessing in their live.

Once you’ve created a “first draft,” leave your list for a few days and then review it to see if you have anything else to add. Really get into the process and imagine what it take to be satisfied that you had lived a good life? This is just you dreaming on paper so really get into it! If you give it some time, you may be surprised what emerges.

Choose an item or two on your list to cross off this year. Could you get started on the stamp collection, begin a business plan for your business, plan your next vacation to one of the places on your list?

Review the list every once in a while to see how you’re doing and add new things that have become important to you. If you do an end-of-the year review and goal setting, that would be an excellent time.

Consider working with a coach. Creating the life of your dreams is not as easy as it sounds. There can be fear associated with some of the things on your list and it may be difficult to find time for some of the others. A coach can help you stay focused on the projects you’ve identified as important to you.

Don’t wait until you’re faced with the prospect of the impending end of your life to start to cross things off The Bucket List.